I'm 18, in my first year of uni and we have to present a 7 minute report to our class (about 20 people) in a couple of months. I'm really, really shy and have trouble talking to one person, let alone 20!
I was wondering if Valium, Xanax or any other anxiety drug would help calm me down enough to hopefully do well. I usually go red, my mouth dries, I start shaking etc. when I speak in front of others.
I've never taken either of them before and I only plan on using them when public speaking situations such as interviews etc. arise, which probably won't be very often anyway. Also, how do I determine my dosage so as not to become drowsy and such?
Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
P.S I was planning on buying these from an online pharmacy.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
6 Answers
PU
puckiemull
3 Aug 2011
Hi Jessiecat, I understand your anxiety where an up coming event is involved..I know how scarey it seems to even think about getting up and speaking infront of a lot of people when you're shy to speak anyway,but firstly i would not recomend buying online-yes it is illegal but apart from that you dont know what you are getting when ordering online,it can be a very dangerous way to go when looking for meds,if you are determined to take anything i would advise you to speak to your doc as they will know the right med to give you wheather it be valium or xanax or perhaps neither-he/she can decide. You dont want to go down the road where everytime you need to speak or do a public speech that you have to rely on meds to calm you down,you are very young and might overcome the shyness all by yourself without having to get mixed up in relaxers to help you along.You think it is awful now and the thoughts of something like that is always worse than the actual event itself.
Think of it as its only 7minutes,i'm sure you will have recited what you have to read out so you just need to practice the breathing as the other posts mentioned,i would try this a few times before rushing off to take a pill to calm you.I completely understand your distress and i'm not downing what you are saying one bit,i am the same myself walking into a room full of people never mind speaking infront of them,but i would try do it by yourself and if you're adamant you need something,go to your gp,they will understand and not judge you but its the safer option than the online business. I'm sure you will do great though without anything,you just need to focus on yourself while speaking and try block out the people in the room.It will be over before you know it and you will wonder"what was i worried about?" The build up to it is always worse like i said but see how you go. Take care whatever you decide but please stay away from ordering online.. Let us know how it goes or if you want to talk more,we are here to help,you're not alone,so many are in the same situation as yourself,suffering the same.
Votes: +0
NY
nyra417
2 Aug 2011
H there... if I were you, I wouldn't even TRY either of these if you don't need them... do this a couple of hours before your speech to see if it helps the anxiety: it's called "7-11": take a DEEP breath & hold it for 7 seconds, then SLOWLY exhale thru your mouth for 11 seconds. You should feel a bit more relaxed and possibly a little euphoric. I do this at night and it helps me sleep when I don't want to take xanax as it can become addicting. Hope this helps you... really, you should try it before drugs... regards, Anna :)
Votes: +1
IN
Inactive
2 Aug 2011
I have to agree with DzooBaby. I had a terrible time speaking in front of small groups of 3 and 4 even, but with time and practice eventually I got better. There is something you can actively be doing to help yourself though. By learning progressive self relaxation, or guided imagery, and practicing these daily, you will teach your brain and body what jt feels like to be relaxed. Before you start each practice session take a few deep breaths - this will become the clue your brain looks for to become relaxed, then whenever you go to speak in front of anyone take those few deep breaths and feel the relaxation. google these two things for specific exercises to practice. I am not making light of how you feel - I want you to have the self esteem you'll deserve when you achieve this on your own, and it is doable. I've seen too many people become slaves to meds and you don't want that.
Practice speaking before your friends, before a mirror - this is a time in your life to learn these skills, where you can fail, if need be, while you are learning and it won't cost you a job that feeds you and your children, like it may later on in your life. College is a great time to learn these skills - you'll be glad you did. I wish you the best -
Votes: +0
CA
caringsonbj
2 Aug 2011
Dear Jessiecat: I think Dzoobaby is right I had a similar situation I had a friend who directed the singing/music in Church I have always loved (even in school) I love music I just could never see myself standing before a group of people especially more than 100 this friend kept encouraging me we even had times when we met in groups at each others homes and I was asked if I would try (in home working with singing) It was so hard, I found the more I did it the easier it became, I have low dose medication but I don't use it to help me get through this finally I started doing this mid-week bible study and as I said the more I did the more comfortable I got, this led to me sarting on Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings, I would have never expected to start this 2-3 times per month I as you say had the red face, clamy hands, sweats,
and it's been a struggle but you know I have found that it's been worth every bit of effort and I am so glad that I have been able to accomplish this without the meds, I tell you this is something that will (I suspect be a struggle) but it is one that is well worth you fighting to get through without the meds, I agree with Dzoobaby again I thought if I start this it will be something that I will getto thinking I can't without the help of these, I just really hope that you are able to function and move forward I suspect that you will prove to yourself something that doesn't seem like it's possible, give it a try, the first few times are not the easiest but remember you are dealing with other human beings, if others can accomplish this then you can also do this I wish you the very best!
Votes: +1
DZ
DzooBaby
2 Aug 2011
I think that perhaps you should try to get by without the drugs. I totally understand your problem with public speaking, I am the same way. Relying on medications to treat something like this will put you on a bad path however. The first few times will be difficult but it will get easier as you go along. Public speaking is a skill. If you start relying on drugs to get you through you will never learn to do it and turning to drugs will start you in a habit best not even begun! Also buying meds like these online without a prescription is a terrible idea! #1 it is illegal to obtain drugs like this without a prescription and you could get into trouble doing it. Often these so called pharmacies are overseas and their product qualities are dubious at best. It can be a counterfeit product or inferior products-something that is expired or manufactured in conditions that are less strict than what is allowed in the US.
You really have no idea of what you are getting and what is actually in the substance you receive. All in all this is not a good idea. I suggest you speak with someone or read about ways to improve your public speaking and find hints about ways to do it. You are not alone. Many, many people have difficulty speaking in front of groups. Good Luck-you CAN do this, I promise. Once you do it, it will give you a good sense of accomplishment and will make you a stronger person.
Votes: +2
SK
skins1970
2 Aug 2011
Hello there jessiecat, Listen valium should do you just fine. 5mg. Xanax is twice as strong as valium and if youre not use to taking it you may find yourself feeling really drowsy and just simply cracking up laughing in front of everyone because you feel too calm and sedated. As least with valium its pretty fast working so u will feel the effect pretty much straight away. I would vote for valium or even half a serepax which is stronger than valium but not quite as strong as xanax but remember they are very addictive so tread carefully. Maybe u could try not taking anything, u could suprise yourself and deliver a wonderful speech. Anyway i hope this helps and good luck with your decision and your speech. Where here for u, let us know how u get on. Skins1970.
